“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
Click here to read the introduction to this series on the Beatitudes.
I don’t know about you, but for about the last eight weeks I have been eating more than usual. I have used some of the extra time at home to bake, try new recipes and eat meals with my family. I do not believe I have really been overly hungry or thirsty during this time of quarantine because my needs (and wants) have been met. The fourth beatitude in Matthew says that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed. There seems to be a passion, a sense of urgency that is described in pursuing this righteousness. Unlike me knowing that my next meal is in just a few hours away, there is a sense to strive, hunger and thirst, for this virtue.
The righteousness here is not self-righteousness, but Godly righteousness. As followers of Christ there must be a passionate pursuit for justice. Ultimately only pure righteousness is found in salvation through Christ Jesus. Our quest for righteousness should mirror Christ. Isaiah describes this justice found in God’s Son.
Isaiah 42:1-4 (NLT):
“Look at my servant, whom I strengthen.
He is my chosen one, who pleases me.
I have put my Spirit upon him.
He will bring justice to the nations.
He will not shout
or raise his voice in public.
He will not crush the weakest reed
or put out a flickering candle.
He will bring justice to all who have been wronged.
He will not falter or lose heart
until justice prevails throughout the earth.
Even distant lands beyond the sea will wait for his instruction.”
As we pray for a heart that yearns for justice, as we pursue righteousness for the weak, and as we love the one who has been wronged, God promises that we will be filled. We will be full! Not like being full after a good meal, but a fullness that lasts for eternity. A filling of God himself in us. I pray that you have such a deep longing for righteousness that your body aches as if you are extremely hungry and thirsty and in return be full.
-Pastor Darcy Webster
Associate Pastor of Operations and Pastoral Care